A study abroad experience sparked one UNO alumna’s artistic journey, proving imagination can flourish when we see the world through a new lens.
by JULI OBERLANDER
Local artist and UNO alumna Julia McGuigan, known for her watercolor and pen illustrations of Omaha life, credits her time in Costa Rica with informing her work today.
At UNO, McGuigan decided to study abroad after befriending international students and desiring a similar experience. After speaking with the team at UNO’s Education Abroad Office, McGuigan chose Costa Rica due to its biodiversity and artistic culture. She studied art and Spanish at Universidad Veritas in San José for four months, where she lived with a host family, sketched, and journaled about her adventures.
“I’d take a stool, sit out in my neighborhood and just draw on the sidewalk,” McGuigan says. “I’m sure people thought that was a little odd, but I didn’t really care. I was just trying to capture the things that I saw.”
In San José, McGuigan learned about public art, participated in a mural restoration project, and displayed her work at a local café. She also discovered artists such as Priscilla Aguirre, whose vibrant prints featuring Costa Rican architecture and daily life continue to influence the illustrations she now sells at Omaha farmers’ markets.
“I feel really thankful for the opportunity to go on that trip,” McGuigan says, “because it did teach me so much and inspired me so much. I probably wouldn’t have a small business like this if I didn’t go on that trip. Had I not seen the artwork that I saw, I don’t know if that spark would have happened elsewhere.”
Along with inspiring passions, Melia Markham, UNO Education Abroad’s Global Course Coordinator, says studying internationally can help students gain a stronger sense of self. Markham, who studied in France, Canada, and India, speaks French fluently because of her travels. She recommends studying abroad as a way to develop nuanced, creative thinking and broaden perspectives.
“Students are so much more resilient when they come back from their study abroad experiences,” Markham says. “They also tend to be more adaptable and flexible. I know that for myself personally, I just gained so much confidence during my study abroad.”
Markham says UNO Education Abroad helps students customize programs based on their majors, finances, schedules, and goals. Programs range from 10 days to a year, and students can travel internationally or within the United States through the National Student Exchange. Financial aid opportunities are also available.
Although going overseas can feel intimidating, Markham says students can rely on the Education Abroad team for support.
“It’s such a life-changing experience,” Markham says, “and I would say if you are able to, go for as long as you possibly can because the longer that you’re over there, the more your experience is enriching.”
McGuigan says global learning helped her become more adaptable and comfortable navigating unfamiliar situations. She encourages students to pursue similar experiences for both personal and professional growth.
“I just think it’s so important that everyone should go somewhere,” McGuigan says, “because it does get you out of your comfort zone, and it can be really eye-opening.”
Illustration by Julia McGuigan created in collaboration with UNO for the UNO Gateway 2019 Back to School edition.
Prints are available for purchase at juliamillustrates.com.
